When new Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson was entering the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions, he was more concerned about what the Bears could do in the NFC North than any other opponent. He believed the Bears — who finished the season 5-12 — were “a sleeping giant.

Ben Johnson understands the adjustments needed when it comes to making the switch from coordinator to head coach.

Ben Johnson had been used to seeing Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet from across a sideline, but last Wednesday they sat front row at Johnson's introductory press conference to support their new head coach.